Which of the following is an example of imbibition

Options

A. Opening of stomata
B. Uptake of water by root hair
C. Swelling of seed when put in soil
D. Exchange of gases in stomata

Answer

To determine which of the given options is an example of imbibition, let's analyze each option step by step.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Imbibition**:
- Imbibition is the process by which water is absorbed by solids or colloids, leading to a significant increase in their volume. This process is crucial for seeds and other plant structures to begin germination and growth.

2. **Analyzing the Options**:
- **Option 1: Opening of Stomata**:
- This process involves the regulation of gas exchange in plants and does not involve a significant increase in volume. Therefore, it is not an example of imbibition.

- **Option 2: Uptake of Water by Root Hair**:
- While root hairs do absorb water, this process primarily involves osmosis and does not result in a significant increase in volume of the root hairs themselves. Thus, this is not an example of imbibition.

- **Option 3: Swelling of Seed When Put in Soil**:
- When seeds are placed in moist soil, they absorb water, leading to a considerable increase in their volume. This is a classic example of imbibition, as the seeds swell due to the absorption of water.

- **Option 4: Exchange of Gases in Stomata**:
- Similar to the first option, this process involves gas exchange and does not lead to any increase in volume. Hence, it is not an example of imbibition.

3. **Conclusion**:
- After analyzing all the options, the correct answer is **swelling of seed when put in soil**, as it exemplifies the process of imbibition.

### Final Answer:
The correct example of imbibition is **swelling of seed when put in soil**.

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